Andhra Pradesh Government to Launch Godavari-Banakacharla Link Project to Combat Drought

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to initiate the Godavari-Banakacharla link project, a significant step toward the state's water management strategy. Estimated to cost around Rs. 70,000 to 80,000 crores, the project aims to address water scarcity issues in drought-prone regions of the state. The government has set a timeline of three months to call for tenders for the project.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held key discussions with senior officials from the Water Resources and Finance Departments, reviewing six alternatives developed by VAPCOS. The project has already received in-principle approval from the Centre, with the CM having discussed it with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his recent visit to Delhi.

The Godavari-Banakacharla link will divert 280 TMC of Godavari floodwater, benefiting the Rayalaseema, combined Nellore, and Prakasam districts. This initiative is expected to eradicate drought in these areas by supplementing the Krishna Delta with 80 TMC of water. The project will be executed in three phases, starting with the diversion of floodwaters from Polavaram to the Krishna River.

The Andhra Pradesh government will soon request financial assistance from the Centre for this crucial project.